New Bollywood releases in Bangkok

A sequel to the 2007 Shootout at Lokhandwala, Sanjay Gupta’s latest flick sticks with the Mumbai noir genre. Based on crime reporter S. Hussain Zaidi’s book Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia—the movie follows the life of notorious urban gangster Manya Surve (JohnAbraham) and his real-life rivalry with Dawood Ibrahim, played by Sonu Sood. Back in action, star of yesteryears Anil Kapoor dons the role of tough cop Isaque Bagwan who vows to bring down the criminals. The movie trailer also hints at a recreation of the first infamous incident of extra-judicial encounter killing in Mumbai in 1982. With lots of ear-splitting gun shots, slow motion running scenes, true-crime storytelling, Abraham’s six pack, and desi gaaliyan, Shootout at Wadala seems to have brewed the perfect formula for an action movie.

Aurangzeb takes its name from the great Mughal emperor who was known for his ruthless ways with his enemies. But don’t be fooled by the name. The movie is not a history lesson, but a present-day, high-octane action thriller with an impressive star cast. The story starts off with the antagonist, Yashvardhan (Jackie Shroff), a real estate mogul known for his involvement in criminal activities. The cops have never been able to tie him down to any crime because he gets his right-hand man Ajay (Arjun Kapoor) to do his dirty biddings and never leave a trail. Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor plays the part of an honest cop, who eventually manages to nab Ajay. His team sets Yashvardhan up by implanting a look-alike of Ajay, Vishal (also played by Arjun Kapoor), to take him down from the inside.

Geeky Naina (Deepika Padukone) runs into her former classmate, the spirited Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor), at a train station. The two, who share nothing in common, are heading to Shimla with their mutual friends Aditi (Kalki Koechlin) and Avi (Aditya Roy Kapur). The awkward train ride between the foursome turns into an unexpected journey, which takes them from trekking in the snow-clad mountains of Kashmir to a Holi fight, dancing a night club rave, and finally to a big fat crazy Indian wedding. The movie, as director Ayan Mukerji describes, is “a spirited cocktail of life… one’s journey from the ages of 21 to 30 and the first tryst with adulthood”. Right from the trailer, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani emits a lovable urban rom-com vibe perfect for family viewing.